Unexpected Interior Quality from Non-Luxury Brands
Finding something positive where it isn’t expected can be tremendous, like discovering beer stocked in yer Frigidaire or twenty bucks in the pocket of last year’s winter jacket.
For gearheads, belting into a car whose interior far outstrips its price tag is particularly gratifying. More than a few of us have surely had the opposite experience, making an unexpected winner all the better. Materials which are better than expected, thoughtful design, and well-executed infotainment systems can all combine to create a space in which one would actually want to spend time and not have to empty their bank account doing so.
[Images: Mazda, Honda, Ram]
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Mazda
Mazda is at the top of this list, with even the entry-level 3 sedan and hatchback packing a cabin far better than its sticker should allow. A sensible (and sensibly clean) design places a driver at the helm of a machine which is a pleasure to enjoy. Large dials, at least one of which has a measure of digital customization sit behind a steering wheel which looks and feels like it has been ripped from a modern Miata. Stalks are simple, there aren’t too many buttons on the steering wheel, and quality materials line the entire area. Our sole kvetch is aimed at the infotainment system which, while clear and easy to read, can only be controlled in its native operation by a spinny dial at the driver’s right hand; touch inputs on the screen are denied. At least the brand has listened to feedback and relented slightly, allowing touch commands when the system is running some smartphone mirroring - though one needs to un/check an option box buried several menu levels deep in the bowels of infotainment in order for it to activate.
Honda
Honda has also done a bang up job with its current Civic, crafting a cabin that also punches above its weight class. Ventilation registers all but vanish into a honeycomb feature which spans the width of the car, with air direction controlled by joysticks which feel expensive and have a satisfying click when they reach center.
Honda
The tablet atop its dashboard does stick out like a sore thumb but is at least festooned with actual buttons and dials for the likes of volume control and station selection.
Ram
Anyone who has shopped for a half ton pickup truck in the last few years knows Ram is king of the interior game, lining its cabs with sumptuous materials and just the right amount of aggro styling to match its brand swagger. We must temper this nomination with the realization that some upper trims in which one finds supple suede and the like cost uncomfortably close to six figures, making them luxury items in our eyes.
Ram
However, even a base Tradesman trim is a decent place in which to spend a workday, thanks to economies of scale which help that model share some basic guts with its spendy brothers. The Ram 1500 Express shown above starts at a reasonable $44,495 including destination.
